They then picked up the young men, both entirely unconscious, and made for the shore with all possible haste.

It was doubtful if the last spark of life had not been extinguished in every one of the three; but the most prompt, wise, and vigorous measures were instantly taken and continued for hours—­hours of agonizing suspense to those who loved them.

At length Bob gave unmistakable signs of life; and shortly after Betty sighed, opened her eyes, and asked, feebly, “Where am I? what has happened?”

But Harold still lay as one dead, and would have been given up as such had not his mother clung to hope, and insisted that the efforts at restoration should be continued.

Through the whole trying scene she had maintained an unbroken calmness of demeanor, staying herself upon her God, lifting her heart to His throne in never-ceasing petitions, and in the midst of her bitter grief and anxiety rejoicing that if her boy were taken from her for a time, it would be but to exchange the trials and cares of earth for the joys of heaven; and the parting from him here would soon be followed by a blissful reunion in that blessed land where sin and sorrow and suffering can never enter.

But at length, when their efforts were rewarded so that he breathed and spoke, and she knew that he was restored to her, the reaction came.

She had given him a gentle, tender kiss, had seen him fall into a natural, refreshing sleep, and passing from his bedside into an adjoining room, she fainted in her father’s arms.

“My darling, my dear, brave darling!” he murmured, as he laid her down upon a couch and bent over her in tenderest solicitude, while Mrs. Dinsmore hastened to apply restoratives.

It was not a long faint; she presently opened her eyes and lifted them with a bewildered look up into her father’s face.

“What is it, papa?” she murmured; “have I been ill?”

“Only a short faint,” he answered.  “But you must be quite worn out.”

“Oh, I remember!” she cried.  “Harold, my dear son—­”

“Is doing well, love.  And now I want you to go to your bed and try to get some rest.  See, day is breaking, and you have had no sleep, no rest.”

“Nor have you, papa; do go and lie down; but I must watch over my poor boy,” she said, trying to rise from the couch.

“Lie still,” he said, gently detaining her; “lie here, if you are not willing to go to your bed.  I am better able to sit up than you are, and will see to Harold.”

“His brothers are with him, mamma,” said Zoe, standing by; “and Edward says they will stay beside him as long as they are needed.”

“Then you and I will both retire and try to take some rest, shall we not?” Mr. Dinsmore asked, bending over Elsie and softly smoothing her hair.

“Yes, papa; but I must first take one peep at the dear son so nearly lost to me.”

He helped her to rise; then she perceived that Captain Raymond and Violet were in the room.